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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Lieutenant Ivan Vesey Townsend 2nd East Lancs


Langdon

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In memory of my Great Uncle Ivan - Lieutenant I.V. Townsend, 2nd Battalion of the East Lancs, killed in action, in the field, 3rd February 1915 aged 20 near La Bassée, Pas de Calais. He was buried firstly at Richebourg St. Vaast and then in the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery in Souchez, Pas de Calais, where he now rests.

He was born in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick on 13th May 1894 and was educated at Felstead School from 1908 to 1912. He went to Sandhurst, was commissioned and made Lieutenant in November 1914. Two days before he died he wrote from France: "I long for the peace-soldiering once more. I am convinced I am too wicked to die, for I have had narrow shaves. A German sniper fired at me point blank in a house at midnight. I got the flash in my face, but by the grace of God he missed me. My first day under fire was marred by my getting a bullet right across the back of my neck, cutting my collar into two pieces..."

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